The A1 is the longest numbered road in the United Kingdom. This old coach route runs northward from London, along the eastern flank of England, to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, a total distance of 396 miles. Originally, it bisected cities and market towns, including Peterborough, Grantham, Doncaster, Leeds, York and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Today, modern by-passes divert the through traffic, leaving a few semi-hidden gems.
One such by-passed town almost borders four counties, namely Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. (Think of the centre of a cross.) It consists of distinctive stone buildings, narrow lanes running down to a bifurcating river, and there are five medieval churches within a stone’s throw of each other (Figure 261.1).
It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the town has been used as a location for a number of films, most notably period dramas based on the works of Jane Austen (1775-1817), Charles Dickens (1812-70) and George Eliot (1819-80). Roaming the town’s well-preserved precincts and thoroughfares, it is easy to understand why it lends itself so well to film-making.
Figure 261.1: An aerial view of Stamford, Lincolnshire
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This article is to showcase a short (eight-minute) film (Figure 261.2) made in the town, under the expert tutelage of the UK Film School, from July 29th to August 2nd.
Figure 261.2: Very well done to all involved.
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I particularly liked the camerawork for the opening scene.
Copyright © 2024 Paul Spradbery
